News Release

Thursday, July 19, 2018

ID the Preppy Store Masher NR18193ti

Canoga Park: Los Angeles
detectives have released video of a man who has accosted at least 4
separate women while they were shopping at stores in Canoga Park
and Woodland Hills.

"While none of the women was injured and the physical contact has
been over clothing, we need to identify him quickly," explained
Det. Arlene Padilla, the lead investigator from LAPD's Topanga
Detective Division. "His behavior is premeditated, as we can see
from his movements in the stores, and our concern is, his behavior
could escalate in boldness or aggression."

Women shoppers have reported this man walking up behind them and
thrusting his groin into their buttocks. On one occasion, the man
followed a woman through a parking garage and grabbed her from
behind in a bear hug. He released her quickly, and she chased him
away.

The suspect appears to be in his mid-20s and
thin. His dress is preppy and clean cut. He often sports a short,
military-type haircut. Detectives believe he may ride the Orange
Line into Canoga Park. Reported incidents have occurred between
June 10 and July 11, 2018, at a shoe store, women's discount
clothing store, and a large department store. "We think he focuses
on stores frequented by women during daytime shopping trips," Det.
Padilla added. "He might be seen on the Orange Line or in any
store between Fallbrook St. and DeSoto Ave., and Erwin St. to
Sherman Way, which is the greater shopping area for the West San
Fernando Valley."

Anyone with information in this case is urged to call Det. Arlene
Padilla, Topanga Detective Division, at (818) 756-3376. During
non-business hours or on the weekends, calls should be directed to
1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous
should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).
Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number
274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text
messages should begin with the letters "LAPD." Tipsters may also
go to www.lapdonline.org, and click on "Anonymous Web Tips" and
follow the prompts. Tipsters may remain anonymous.

Det. Padilla is available for interviews on this release. Video
can be obtained by shooting the video at the Topanga Police
Station on Schoenborn Street.